Idaho Governor Brad Little recently announced that the Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources (OEMR) and the Idaho Strategic Energy Alliance (ISEA) released the Idaho Advanced Nuclear Strategic Framework (ANSF), a comprehensive plan developed by ISEA and a broad coalition of stakeholders to guide the future of advanced nuclear energy in Idaho.
"The framework outlines a clear strategy to ensure Idaho continues to lead the nation in energy innovation by advancing next-generation nuclear technologies that are safe, reliable, affordable, sustainable, and secure. It reflects extensive input from public and private partners, including Idaho’s electric utilities, the Idaho National Laboratory, universities, state agencies, local governments, and industry leaders," a news release said.
The ANSF highlights Idaho’s unique strengths in supporting advanced nuclear deployment, including:
Idaho National Laboratory’s expertise in nuclear research and development, including decades of innovation in reactor design and demonstration.
Educational partnerships across Idaho’s universities and community colleges that build a strong workforce pipeline for advanced nuclear careers, which complements Idaho’s innovative LAUNCH program for in-demand careers.
Rich mineral resources, such as thorium and uranium, that provide a foundation for next-generation nuclear fuel.
Industry and utility collaboration to ensure advanced nuclear is evaluated as a long-term option to meet growing energy demand.
Regional partnerships, including the Tri-State Nuclear Compact with Utah and Wyoming and the Intermountain-West Nuclear Energy Corridor, that strengthen Idaho’s role in national energy leadership.
The framework also identifies key policy recommendations, including establishing a State Energy Fund to support nuclear development and leveraging the new Strategic Permitting, Efficiency, and Economic Development (SPEED) Council to streamline energy project development.
